Sudhanshu Pandey On Playing A ‘Bahubali’ In ‘Do Duniya Ek Dil’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Sudhanshu Pandey is back on TV with the new show “Do Duniya Ek Dil.” He is playing the role of a Baahubali (strongman) from Uttar Pradesh who is into real estate. It is an alpha male character, which, according to him, is the flavor of the season on TV, films and web series. In a chat with Variety India, he speaks about his new show, the “Anupamaa” impact and why he does not settle for less. 

What attracted you to the character of Baldev in 'Do Duniya Ek Dil'? 

I felt the character and premise were both interesting. I did not plan to take up daily soap. In fact, I wanted to do films and web series. I just completed my shoot for a Hindi film as well. I realized this character was something that has not been done before on Indian TV. “Do Duniya Ek Dil” is about the social media revolution and how  technology is misued and people get scammed. It will be narrated through my character. Baldev is a Baahubali type of person in Uttar Pradesh. He is wealthy influential, alpha male with shades of grey. The alpha male character is being loved nowadays. Viewers are enjoying the villany, rage and action such characters bring on screen whether it is in films or OTT. There are some excellent surprises for fans in the coming episodes. 

Your Vanraj character from 'Anupamaa' was also a grey one. Are there any similarities between the two? 

There is no comparison between Vanraj and Baldev. Both have different backgrounds. Baldev has a solid back story. As an actor, I always try to do something different and new.  Saying that, the TV audience is very different. It is a cleaner medium meant for family viewing.  I feel filmmakers have a certain responsibility to bring about a change. Viewers won’t evolve if we do not bring some new themes or content. So, you need that variety in every medium. 

How was it like working with Vikram Singh Chauhan? 

My first scene on the show was with Vikram. He is such a lovely well brought up young man, and he is also a very fine actor. 

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With IPL round the corner don’t you feel this is a risky time to launch a new show? 

I know the IPL poses a challenge for every channel and we too discussed it. But I believe, if we click with the audience then we need not worry. The sentiments have to touch audiences’ hearts at the outset. India’s TV audience is quite loyal and does not just quit watching a show. We just need to connect emotionally with them. So, even if the TRP ratings are technically not too great, we can still retain the momentum. 

Mansi Salvi and you have great chemistry which people seem to like.

Mansi (Salvi) is an old friend. I have known her for a long time. It was a promotional activity but I saw the countless reels on Instagram (Laughs).  

Did the success of 'Anupamaa' bring about a significant change in your career? 

Not really. I have always been known as a professional actor. I work hard to keep myself in a good space mentally and physically. When producers see that you’re going strong, offers pour in. You do not have to prove a point. When I was not working, I maintained myself well. Looking good is a huge part of this profession. When people see you look fit and good, everything else falls into place. Your personality should inspire people. 

Lately,  actors are complaining about how their fees have been reduced. What is your take on this? 

When someone talks of this, I would like to say that I have maintained a bit of exclusivity. Producers know if they want me, that's my fee. So, the ones who approach are very serious about casting me keeping the remuneration in mind. No one does window shopping with me, as they know that it can a bit of a expensive proposition. I am not sure how things function in terms of payment with regards to junior actors. I am sure people are paid as per their standing and not as per their seniority or years of experience in the industry. 

Is ‘Do Duniya Ek Dil’ going to be a limited episode serial? 

Yes, it is a limited series but I do not know what the channel will plan if it succeeds on a big level. Or else, we can come back with a second season.